Ladies' Crime Night: "Wanted – Dead or Alive"

Nine crime writers will each spend six minutes delving into the world of crime; once their time is up, a gunshot will signal the end, and the next writer will take to the stage.

Taking part, in alphabetical order: Helene Baumann, Karin Ernst, Sonja Hölzel-Lehmann, Slavica Klimkowsky, Norma K. Koenig, Andrea Maluga (also acting as host), Kaja Neff, Susanne Rüster and Chiara Sing.

With musical accompaniment by Diana Tobien, the Ladies Crime Night promises plenty of suspense and enjoyment. Top-class entertainment with varied crime stories (almost) like real life.

The regional group of the ‘Mörderische Schwestern’ presents crime stories offering a female perspective on society. At a Ladies Crime Night, the literary programme is organised exclusively by women.

Incidentally, ‘Mörderische Schwestern e.V.’ is the largest European non-profit association of German-speaking crime writers, dedicated to promoting crime fiction written by women, and will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026.

Around 800 female writers and women associated with crime fiction are members of ‘Mörderische Schwestern’. They live and work in Switzerland, Japan, Austria, England, France, Sweden, Portugal, Ireland and Germany. In Brandenburg and Berlin, there are 75 authors; they meet regularly on the 13th of every month at the ‘Max und Moritz’ pub.

About the contributors:

Helene Baumann – in more than 40 years’ professional experience as a doctor and psychotherapist (under her real name), she has heard many stories. She gives them a new lease of life and brings them to life.

Karin Ernst worked for many years as a journalist and editor. For years now, she has devoted herself to writing crime novels. Her published works to date include *Mühlenfest* and *Tödliche Verwicklungen*. She is currently working on Lena’s third case, which is once again set in the Uckermark.

Sonja Hölzel-Lehmann. A Berliner. A lawyer. Her penchant for crime was initially just a hobby. Now it has become a novel, which is looking for a publisher.

Slavica Klimkowsky lives and works in Berlin as a freelance writer, literary educator and lecturer in creative writing. She has received numerous awards for her literature in plain language, her short prose and her poetry.

Norma K. Koenig is originally from Eberswalde and now lives in the Prignitz region. Language has always been her focus, whether as a teacher until a few years ago or now as a writer. She writes crime novels and short stories set in the beautiful Havelland region.

Andrea Maluga. A Berliner with a Master’s degree in History and German Studies. She publishes thought-provoking, crime-themed and light-hearted short stories for adults and children. She runs writing courses and is working on her debut novel for adults. She is vice-chair of the Berlin-Brandenburg regional branch of the Mörderische Schwestern.

Kaja Neff. After her A-levels, she studied theatre and literature and worked for various film and television companies as a dramaturg and writer. She grew up on the Moselle, where her thrillers *Der Junge im Wald* and *Rotkäppchen ist der Wolf* are also set. However, she has lived in Berlin for many years.

Susanne Rüster. Lawyer. Doesn’t like straying from the law. Has published numerous short stories and five crime novels. Works for the Berlin Chamber of Psychotherapists.

Chiara Sing. Moved to Berlin at the age of 18, later spent several years abroad, but otherwise lives in Berlin. Lives and works as a freelance language specialist. Writes short crime stories and is working on her first crime novel.